Alphabet Detectives

When I was teaching Pre-Kindergarten, one of our favorite circle time activities was this simple game that the students named Alphabet Detectives. This is a simple fill-in-the-blank game, but when you play it with one or many kids it takes on new life with a few extra steps.

1. Write out the alphabet on a chalk or dry erase board. Leave a few letters out.

2. Explain to your children or students that some letters are missing, and you need their help to find them.

3. Sing the alphabet song while touching each letter. When you get to a blank spot, stop and ask, "Wait, what goes here?" Be silly. Have fun and pretend like the letter is really gone forever. This little bit of humor turned this simple game into a favorite with every group I have ever done this with. The singing will help children figure it out, and they can yell it out. Invite one child to write the letter on the board. If you are playing with only one child like I did with my daughter, have her stand at the board and fill each letter out. With groups, offer more opportunities to participate by having more missing letters.

Tools & Resources

Tips & Articles

About this blog

Get the latest advice, tips, and resources on helping your child read at every age and every stage. Each week, find kids' book reviews, ways to extend the reading experience, and tips on how to spark a reader's interests from our expert contributors and editors.